More than 35,000 pensioners had their pensions cut because of changes introduced to the State Pension in 2012 by the previous government. This is according to a new report this morning from Age Action, Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people.

OFTEC Ireland, Age Action and Helen McEntee TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, officially launched a free guide, offering key advice to help older people using oil home heating to stay safe and warm throughout the winter period.

Age Action is urging communities to help ensure their older neighbours remain safe and well during the current spell of cold weather. The organisation also advised any older person who has not yet got the flu vaccine to do so as soon as possible.